Rafal,
I assume you are doing 1L test batches? Correct me if I'm wrong.
Do you know the purity of the KOH you are using?
I have heard of virgin oil containing some FFA. I have no experience
with such oil.
Your interpretation of the titration color sounds fine to me. The
difference between .925 g KOH and 1.05 g KOH represents a 1 - 2 % difference
in the amount of caustic/L of oil and would be insignificant compared to the
approximately 15% difference in caustic needed for oil that titrates .925ml
KOH and virgin oil that titrates to 0ml.
Don't despair. Overcoming obstacles early on is part of the learning
process. It is why one should start with small (1L) test batches.
Best of luck,
Tom
----- Original Message -----
From: "Rafal Szczesniak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <biofuel@sustainablelists.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2006 1:31 PM
Subject: [Biofuel] tirating a virgin oil
> Hi,
>
> Recently I've came through problems with testing a cheap virgin oil
> in my test processor which every time ended up with incomplete reactions
> (emulsion problems). I did make the process longer (2 hours) and at
> higher temperature (60-63 degC) - still nothing, though by product
> separation is very nice.
>
> Today, I tried to titrate the oil and - to my surprise - it took 0.925ml
> of KOH solution. This was my first experience with titration, so I can
> also tell that the phenolophtalein solution turned pale (but noticable)
> magenta for about 15 secs (as described at JtF) after 0.925ml. After
> adding 1.05ml the colour got more intensive for longer time.
>
> My main question is - is it normal in case of cheap oils ?
> I suppose they contain (as other oils) some amount of FFAs, but so much ?
>
> Additional matter is whether I got titration right. I mean, interpreting
> the colours.
>
> I'm running out of ideas what could be wrong in the process, so any
> help is appreciated.
>
>
> --
> cheers,
>
> Rafal Szczesniak **mir[at]diament.iit.pwr.wroc.pl
> Samba Team member mi***[at]samba.org
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